To ship a car from Japan to the UK can be an exciting endeavour, but it’s essential to navigate the complex process with care. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, from export paperwork in Japan to import customs in the UK, including options like Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) and container shipping, vehicle tax reports, tax and duty, and even considerations for ground clearance, especially for sport cars.
Before you decide to import cars from Japan to UK, you’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order. The key documents include:
Bill of Lading: This serves as a receipt for your vehicle and provides information about the shipment.
Export Certificate: Also known as the “Deregistration Certificate,” it proves that the car is no longer registered in Japan.
Certificate of Inspection: This document certifies that your vehicle has passed a vehicle inspection.
Original Title: The title/logbook document should show you as the owner of the car.
Japan has strict customs regulations, so make sure you’re familiar with them before you decide to ship a car from Japan to UK:
De-registration: Before your vehicle can be exported, it must be de-registered in Japan.
Inspection: Customs officials may inspect your vehicle to ensure it meets the safety and emissions standards of the destination country.
Customs Declaration: Complete the necessary customs declarations and pay any required export taxes.
You have two main options to ship a car from Japan to the UK: RORO and container shipping.
RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off): In RORO shipping, your vehicle is driven onto the ship, secured in place, and driven off at the destination. It’s a cost-effective option for standard vehicles. It is essential you check your vehicles ground clearance before choosing to import cars from japan to UK via RORO, to ensure the ramp onto the vessel will not damage the bumper and underside of the vehicle.
Container Shipping: Container shipping involves placing your vehicle inside a container, which provides extra security and protection. This option is preferable for valuable or high-end cars.
Once your car arrives in the UK, you’ll need to navigate the import customs process:
Customs Declaration: Complete the necessary customs declarations and pay any import duties and taxes.
VAT and Duty: Be prepared to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties based on the value of the car.
The taxes and duties you’ll encounter when importing a car to the UK include:
Value Added Tax (VAT): Currently set at 20% of the car’s value.
Import Duty: This varies depending on the car’s age and CO2 emissions. Standard is 10%.
Choosing to import cars from Japan to UK involves a series of steps, including export paperwork in Japan, export customs, shipping options like RORO and container shipping, import customs in the UK, vehicle tax reports, tax and duty, and ground clearance considerations, particularly for sport cars. By following this guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy your imported vehicle in the UK. Remember to consult with professionals and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements.